Yes, you absolutely can measure your horse for a saddle at home using simple tools and careful steps. This saddle fitting guide will walk you through the entire process so you can gather the needed horse back measurements to find the right saddle tree size.
Why Accurate Horse Measurements Matter
Getting the right saddle is vital for your horse’s health and your riding comfort. A poorly fitting saddle causes pain. It can lead to long-term back problems. A good fit means the weight is spread evenly. This supports good movement. This guide will help you get clear data for choosing the right saddle. We will cover how to find your horse’s wither height measurement and other key points needed for proper saddle fit.
Tools You Need for Equine Measurement Techniques
Before you start, gather a few basic tools. You do not need fancy equipment.
- A flexible, non-stretchy measuring tape is best.
- A long, straight edge or a carpenter’s level.
- A helper is very useful, especially for accurate back tracing.
- A notebook and pen to write down all your numbers.
Determining Wither Height Measurement
Wither height measurement is the first basic step. This tells you the horse’s official height. It is important for general saddle size and bridle fit—much like how you would measure horse for bridle.
Steps for Wither Height Measurement
- Find the Withers: The withers are the highest point of the horse’s back, right where the neck meets the body.
- Position the Horse: Have the horse stand squarely on flat, level ground. Keep the head in a natural, relaxed position. Do not let the horse stretch its neck up or down.
- Use the Straight Edge: Place the straight edge or level across the highest point of the withers. Make sure it is perfectly level side-to-side.
- Measure Down: Hold the tape measure straight up and down from the bottom of the straight edge to the ground. Read the measurement carefully.
- Record the Height: Write down this number. Remember that horses are measured in hands (one hand equals four inches) and sometimes inches. Convert this number to inches for easier use with most saddle sizing chart data.
Comprehensive Horse Back Measurements
The area under the saddle is where precision matters most. We need to assess the slope, length, and width of the back. This is key for selecting the saddle tree size.
Measuring the Length of the Saddle Area
The saddle area runs from the edge of the shoulder blade to the last rib. This measurement helps determine the correct saddle length or panel length.
- Locate the Shoulder: Feel for the prominent bone that marks the back of the shoulder blade.
- Find the Last Rib: Feel along the horse’s side until you find the last rib. It stops before the loin area begins.
- Measure the Span: Measure the straight line distance between these two points. This gives you the maximum usable length for the saddle. Record this in inches.
Assessing Back Shape and Slope (Profile)
A flat back needs a different tree shape than a highly angled back. This is vital for proper saddle fit.
- Visual Check: Stand to the side of your horse. Look at the line from the wither back toward the loin. Is it straight? Does it dip significantly? Does it rise?
- Using a Template (Optional but Helpful): Some experienced fitters use a flexible tape or a specialized saddle template tool. Lay the flexible tape along the curve of the back, starting just behind the shoulder. Mark where the saddle should end (usually about 2 inches behind where your hand naturally rests when holding the reins). This helps judge the overall length needed.
Gaining Crucial Width Measurements
The width measurement is critical for the tree size. A tree that is too narrow pinches the muscles. A tree that is too wide slides down or sits too high on the shoulders.
Measuring the Gullet Width (For Clearance)
This measures the space between the muscles over the spine. You must avoid pressure here.
- Locate the Highest Point: Find the highest point of the withers again.
- Measure Across the Spine: Use a wide, flat object (like a ruler or stiff cardboard) held flat against the highest point of the spine.
- Measure the Distance: Use the tape measure to measure the width across the bony ridge of the spine. This number is not the tree width. It is a starting point. Tree widths are usually much wider than this measurement.
Measuring the Back Width at the Girth Area
This provides context for the overall muscular width where the saddle bars sit.
- Mark the Area: Identify the spot directly behind the elbow, where the girth sits.
- Measure Across: Measure the straight distance across the horse’s back at this point. This is part of your overall horse conformation measurement data.
Deciphering Saddle Tree Size
The tree is the internal frame of the saddle. It dictates how the saddle sits and balances on the horse’s back. Trees are usually categorized by size: Narrow, Medium-Narrow, Medium, Medium-Wide, Wide, or based on specific brand sizing (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or specific numeric ranges).
Relating Measurements to Tree Size
There is no single universal saddle sizing chart that works for every brand. Different makers use different angles and widths to define their sizes. However, the general principles remain the same.
| Measurement Type | What It Tells You | Impact on Tree Size |
|---|---|---|
| Wither Height | General size context | Affects overall saddle scale, less about width |
| Back Length Span | Panel length needed | Determines if a standard or extra-long saddle is required |
| Gullet Width | Clearance needed | Dictates the actual width measurement of the tree |
| Muscular Development | Slope and angle | Affects the angle of the bars (e.g., semi-quarter horse vs. thoroughbred cut) |
The Role of Shoulder Movement
One of the biggest mistakes in saddle selection is ignoring the shoulder. The saddle must move freely with the shoulder blade when the horse moves forward.
- Test the Movement: Place your hands over the horse’s shoulder. Ask a helper to walk the horse forward slowly. You should feel the shoulder blade swing clearly underneath the skin.
- Clearance Check: When trying a saddle (or comparing your measurements to a potential saddle), ensure the front of the saddle tree clears the shoulder blade by at least 1 to 2 inches on either side when the shoulder is fully forward. This is crucial for a happy horse.
Advanced Equine Measurement Techniques for Flatter vs. Sweeping Backs
Horses have different back profiles. A true saddle measurement guide must account for this curve.
The Flat Back Horse
Horses with very straight or slightly dipped backs (often found in some draft breeds or very heavily muscled horses) need a flatter tree.
- Measurement Focus: The difference between the wither height measurement and the measurement taken across the widest part of the back muscle mass should not be extreme.
- Tree Need: Look for trees described as “flat” or “Wide” in their sizing range.
The Sweeping/Arched Back Horse
Horses with significant upward curve in their backs (like many Thoroughbreds or Arabians) need a tree that angles down sharply from the high wither.
- Measurement Focus: The gullet measurement at the wither might be narrow, but the back drops away sharply immediately behind it.
- Tree Need: These horses often require a “Narrow” or “Semi-Quarter Horse” fit that opens up quickly underneath the panels.
Documenting Your Findings: Creating a Saddle Profile Sheet
To use this data effectively when shopping or talking to a saddle fitter, organize your equine measurement techniques results.
Horse Measurement Log
| Measurement Item | Measurement (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wither Height | (Convert hands/inches) | |
| Saddle Length Span (Shoulder to last rib) | ||
| Gullet Width (Across Spine at Withers) | ||
| Width at Girth Area | ||
| Back Profile Observation | (Flat, dipped, or arched) | |
| Shoulder Clearance Test | (Good, tight, or restricted) |
This sheet acts as your personal saddle sizing chart reference.
Considering Seat Size vs. Tree Size
It is important to note that the tree size (width and shape) is entirely separate from the seat size (e.g., 16″, 17″, 18″).
- Seat Size: This relates to the rider’s size and comfort. It measures the length from the back of the cantle to the front of the pommel (the stitching line).
- Tree Size: This relates purely to the horse’s conformation.
You might need a 17-inch seat on a Wide tree, or a 16.5-inch seat on a Narrow tree. Never sacrifice proper saddle fit for the rider’s size preference.
What About Bridle Sizing?
While this is primarily a saddle fitting guide, it is worth noting that accurate horse conformation measurement helps in other areas too. If you are also looking to measure horse for bridle, you would focus on the size of the horse’s head, cheekbones, and noseband placement. Wither height gives a general indication of overall size, but head measurements are specific. A tall horse does not automatically mean a draft-sized bridle is needed.
Professional Consultation and Final Checks
Even with excellent equine measurement techniques, professional advice is invaluable. A certified saddle fitter uses specialized tools (like 3D scanners or templating devices) to capture subtle contours you might miss.
When you receive a saddle based on your measurements, perform these final checks:
- The Flocking Check: With the horse standing still, put the saddle on bareback (or with just a thin pad). Check for gaps between the saddle panels and the horse’s back, especially near the shoulder and loin. A well-fitted saddle should sit evenly on all points of the panel.
- The Wither Clearance Test (Again): Ensure the front arch of the saddle is well clear of the withers, even when weight is applied.
- The Movement Test: Trot the horse in hand or under saddle in an open area. Watch how the saddle moves. Does it slide forward or backward excessively? Does it rock side to side? Any instability indicates a poor fit, regardless of your initial tape measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I measure my horse for a saddle?
You should measure your horse any time you suspect a change in their condition or conformation. This includes:
- If you buy a new saddle.
- If your horse gains or loses significant weight or muscle mass (often happens during a new training program).
- If your horse shows signs of pain or resistance when saddling or riding.
- At least once a year for maintenance checks.
Can I use my old saddle’s tree size measurement on a new saddle?
This is tricky. If you know the exact brand and model of the old saddle, and you know it fit well, you can use that size as a starting point. However, different brands define their widths differently. For example, a “Medium” in Brand A might be equivalent to a “Wide” in Brand B. Always try to get the actual physical measurements of the new tree if possible, or consult a brand-specific saddle sizing chart.
What if my horse measures between two tree sizes?
If you are between sizes (e.g., a half-size), it is often better to size up slightly, provided the difference is not too drastic. You can usually adjust a slightly too-wide saddle using thicker pads or shims. It is much harder—and often impossible—to safely correct a saddle that is too narrow, as this pinches muscles and creates painful pressure points.
Does my horse’s age affect the measurement needed?
Yes. Young horses (especially those under four or five) are still developing bone and muscle. Their back shape can change rapidly. Older horses might have muscle loss or changes in topline due to arthritis, which requires reassessing the fit yearly. Always measure based on their current condition.
Is measuring for a dressage saddle different than a jumping saddle?
The principles for measuring the horse’s back (width, length, and slope) are the same for all types of saddles. What changes is the length of the flap and the seat depth. Dressage saddles tend to have longer tree points (the parts extending toward the shoulder) than close-contact jumping saddles. This means you must be extra careful about the shoulder clearance measurement for dressage.